WTNH News Channel 8 / News / 1999

	Gay Church Elder Retains Post (Stamford-WTNH) _ A landmark decision for religious rights at a Stamford Church. An openly gay man can remain as a leader in the church. There is still opposition though, from some who say it violates the Presbyterian constitution. News Channel 8's Jocelyn Sigue has the story. For one man the Sunday church bells rang out in celebration. The judicial council that oversees the states Presbyterian churches is allowing Wayne Osborne to remain a church elder, even though he is openly gay. It's a move some say contradicts the churches constitution. Wayne Osborne, Gay Elder: "There are many who suffer under the weight of what we call 'Amendment B' who feel the pain of prejudice and who are silenced by discrimination because of the big topic today sexual orientation." The presbytery does not allow practicing homosexuals to be church decision makers. Osborne's position was challenged by two other elders when he refused to answer questions about what goes on behind closed doors. But today's decision says if a church asks about sexual orientation and the elder chooses not to answer the church does not have to dig deeper. Dan Sassi, First Presbyterian Church Stamford: "Sessions now will have a way to do this based on this case that steers them through those difficult questions and issues." But some members of the church say this decision is clearly against the rules. One elder has already resigned because of this controversy. Osborne's challengers were not here today. In a written statement they said they will need some time to study the full decision. If they find basis for an appeal they will feel obligated to continue with the case. Wayne's challengers expect the decision to deeply divide the congregation. There were certainly differing opinions from churchgoers. Julie Lim, Stamford: "I don't feel what people do at home in their privacy is any business of anybody else." Craig Douglas, Greenwich: "If you believe in God there are certain things certain things that you do not do you know." Osborne's challengers say they have heard talk of some members leaving Stamford's First Presbyterian because of this decision, and that some are already withholding pledges. Today's News Page. WTNH Home Page. ©1999 WTNH/WTNH-DT A LIN station.

Gay Church Elder Retains Post
(Stamford-WTNH) _ A landmark decision for religious rights at a Stamford Church. An openly gay man can remain as a leader in the church. There is still opposition though, from some who say it violates the Presbyterian constitution.
News Channel 8's Jocelyn Sigue has the story.

For one man the Sunday church bells rang out in celebration. The judicial council that oversees the states Presbyterian churches is allowing Wayne Osborne to remain a church elder, even though he is openly gay. It's a move some say contradicts the churches constitution.

Wayne Osborne, Gay Elder: "There are many who suffer under the weight of what we call 'Amendment B' who feel the pain of prejudice and who are silenced by discrimination because of the big topic today sexual orientation."

The presbytery does not allow practicing homosexuals to be church decision makers. Osborne's position was challenged by two other elders when he refused to answer questions about what goes on behind closed doors. But today's decision says if a church asks about sexual orientation and the elder chooses not to answer the church does not have to dig deeper.

Dan Sassi, First Presbyterian Church Stamford: "Sessions now will have a way to do this based on this case that steers them through those difficult questions and issues."

But some members of the church say this decision is clearly against the rules. One elder has already resigned because of this controversy. Osborne's challengers were not here today. In a written statement they said they will need some time to study the full decision. If they find basis for an appeal they will feel obligated to continue with the case.

Wayne's challengers expect the decision to deeply divide the congregation. There were certainly differing opinions from churchgoers.

Julie Lim, Stamford: "I don't feel what people do at home in their privacy is any business of anybody else."
Craig Douglas, Greenwich: "If you believe in God there are certain things certain things that you do not do you know."

Osborne's challengers say they have heard talk of some members leaving Stamford's First Presbyterian because of this decision, and that some are already withholding pledges.

Today's News Page.

WTNH Home Page.